Release Detail

October 29, 2002 - Rowland Slips Slightly In Connecticut,
Quinnipiac University Poll Finds;
But Incumbent Has Big Lead With One Week To Go

Democratic challenger Bill Curry has narrowed the gap slightly against Connecticut
Gov. John Rowland, but the Republican is sitting on a 55 - 38 percent lead among likely
voters just one week before the election, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll
released today. This measure includes voters who are leaning towards one of the
candidates.

In an October 2 poll by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University,
Gov. Rowland held a 59 - 37 percent lead.

"Gov. Rowland has lost a little ground. It could be because uncertain economic
times often take a toll on incumbents. Perhaps Rowland has been riding so high he had
nowhere to go but down," said Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz,
Ph.D. "But the incumbent continues to maintain a big lead over Bill Curry.

"Curry has gotten better known, but he doesn't seem to have benefited. About as
many people have an unfavorable opinion of Curry as have a favorable one, while
Rowland enjoys a better than 2 - 1 favorability rating."

Curry has a 28 - 24 percent favorability rating, with 28 percent mixed and 16
percent who say they haven't heard enough to form an opinion.

From October 21 - 27, Quinnipiac University surveyed 637 Connecticut likely
voters with a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percent

The Quinnipiac University Poll conducts public opinion surveys in New York,
New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the nation as a public service and for
research.
For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu and quicklinks

1. If the election for governor were being held today, would you vote for
Bill Curry the Democrat or John Rowland the Republican?

(If undecided/wouldn't vote/someone else) As of today, do you lean more
to Curry or Rowland?